“Info for my race driver friends – As many of you are aware, at times I’ve put a link up about insurance for race drivers, whether it is in my weekly column or here on Facebook. I really get disturbed when I see what follows – a race driver getting so seriously hurt, and then I wonder – did he have any other insurance other than what the track might have?

Geoff is still in ICU at Blake Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL. He has a shattered vertebrae in his neck, a cracked sternum, and multiple punctures in his lungs. His nuerosurgeon has scheduled surgery for Monday morning. Geoff will remain in a halo for nearly 4 months following the surgery. Thus putting Geoff out of work and without income. We are trying to raise funds to help Geoff and his wife out in this very difficult time. Any ideas and/or contributions would be greatly appreciated. If it were anyone else in this situation, I know that Geoff would be the first in line to help. Let’s rally for him as part of our racing family.

There’s a video of the accident on Facebook – on the Rich Golardi page:
https://www.facebook.com/richard.golardi?hc_location=stream
The website for the racers insurance is: http://www.stida.com/
Again, no I am in no way associated with that insurance company, or any other, just trying to get the word out that there is insurance available for you, the race driver – as long as your racing vehicle has a roll cage and you’re strapped into it.”

Note: This was posted on Facebook around mid-day on Monday:

“Official TBARA
I just got off the phone with Geoff a few moments ago. He sounds great !!! With a little help from smashing his morphine button, the pain is tolerable. His ability to breathe is much better. He will be going into surgery later today to have the halo installed. For those of you unfamiliar with this, they literally put screws and rods directly into the skull and attach the halo to the shoulders. He and his wife would like to send out a very humble and sincere Thank You for all of the prayers and well wishes. Keep em coming. It means a lot to them knowing that soooooo many people care. I’ll post more updates as I get them.

I’m at the hospital now with Geoff. He sat up again by himself and took his first bite of solid food since Friday. He’s in great spirits and can NOT wait to get out of here. They’ve told him that as soon as he can walk on his own, he can go home.

And this, on Wednesday afternoon:

It’s update time again ! First of all, on behalf of the Styner family, I want to thank each and every one of you that have taken the time to make Geoff feel loved. The phone calls, the messages, the prayers, the donations …. it’s simply incredible to know how truly special our racing family is. Now on to the good news …. Geoff is on his feet and walking !!!! With a little help from his wife and his nurse, the took a “Victory Lap” around the neuro-ortho unit at Blake Medical Center. Geoff has a very long, hard, frustrating road ahead of him, but to know that he is walking less than 4 days after such a horrific accident is truly a blessing. Please continue to keep the support rolling in. It is without a doubt that your continued prayers and well wishes have been heard.

Second:
In a way, I can see where the track is coming from. But, there’s a chance that some race fans just can’t get to the race tracks, and kind of rely on the up-dates from the tracks.
Posted on Facebook last Saturday:

“In accordance to the wishes of speedway management, we will not be providing live updates from Lebanon Valley.

We will have quick results posted at the conclusion of the racing program. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As always, thanks for your support and for choosing RPW for your racing news.”
Third:
For those that might be fans of Midget racing, and the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Midget-Auto-Racing-Hall-of-Fame/175885105763849?fref=ts
Note: I did receive an email from the HoF last week. I’m attempting to get information on their website, which has been down for quite some time now, an dif it will ever return.
Fourth:
Another reminder of race viewing on TV – when and from where:
http://tvracer.com/

Fifth:

I think this is pretty sad – don’t you? Found on a race report the other day:
“Late models had one of those nights race was checkered after 40 minutes and only 6 laps run in the feature.”

Sixth:

Small stuff:

Watching practice from Talladega on Friday night, I think it was Darrel Waltrip that was making mention of the differences between the Gen6 car and the Gen5 car. Huh? Gen5? I’ve never heard that name given to the previous edition of Cup cars – not while they were racing, anyway.

I was a little surprised that FOX here in the New York area stayed with Talladega and not put on the news at 5:00 last Sunday. They did, however, put the news on at 6:00.

At Linda’s Speedway, the Xcel Chassis Modifieds had 40 cars in competition.

At Borgers, for the ATQMRA race, they had 14 cars. So where are more TQ’s, anyway? Didn’t they have over 70 for the Atlantic City show?

Accord had 17 Modifieds, 22 Sportsman, 17 Spec Sportsman, 13 Pro Stocks, 13 Pure Stocks and 11 4 Cylinders.
I’m confused. What really is “immediate family”, anyway? Patricia Smith is the mother of one of those that was killed at Benghazi. She met face to face with many, our President, Hillary Clinton and others, in an attempt to get information on the death of her son. Most had a “We’ll get back to you response” to her – and none have done so, so far. Then she was given the news that she would not be told anything because she was not “IMMEDIATE FAMILY”. What the hell?

Speaking of Benghazi, I guess a lot of stuff will hit the fan on Wednesday? Let’s hope the truth finally comes out, huh?
Note: I’m quite disappointed that as of 5:30 PM on 5/8/13, there really isn’t much said about what occurred in Washington, today.
You’ve heard of 3-D printers, right? One can actually make things with them. All kinds of things – mostly out of plastic. Even guns! Guns that actually fire bullets! It was said that instructions for making guns with a 3-D printer were even out on the Internet. And I saw that it was actually legal to sell them over the Internet! So much for gun control, I suppose?
They’re sure having a heckuva time trying to find a place to bury the body of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, aren’t they? I read that a certain female who is currently serving our country, wants to give up her grave site in Arlington for this murderer. Bet she gets refused.
Have you ever seen a commercial as stupid as the “I ate the bones?” commercial?

Note: There are some links that I’ve taken out – some that might cause a problem with my posting the column. Again, as I’ve said in the past, you can e-mail me for the links or pick them up on the New England Tractor – Race Report website. Link to that website is in my “Photo” section.

Ninth:
As of now, it looks like the surgery on my left side carotid artery will be done on May 23rd. Surgeon says I’ll be home on the 24th. I had better be, since the Indy 500 is on the 26th. One of the few Indycar races I would watch on TV. Then that night is the 600 from Charlotte.

1992
Roberto Guerrero set an Indianapolis 500 qualifying record, driving his Lola-Buick to an average speed of 232.483 mph and set the single lap record at 232.618 mph.

2001
Smokey Yunick… Died … NASCAR and Indy mechanic and owner of the “Best Damn Garage in Town” in Daytona, Florida, died of leukemia at age 77.

Some racin’ stuff:

From last week:

A little quiz:

Who is the American driver that has made the most Formula One starts in the history of Formula One racing?
Any idea? E-mail me your answer to me at: ygordad@yahoo.com. Please use “Quiz” as the subject. Answer in my next column.

Answer: Eddie Cheever had 132 starts in Formula One.

Donations sought to help fund Off-road wheelchair for Lucinda man injured in racing accident.
LUCINDA, Pa. – A donation website has been setup to help raise funds for a new wheelchair for a Lucinda man who was injured in a racing accident last year at Lernerville Speedway.
Donations are being sought to help fund an off-road wheelchair for Brian “Cowboy” Steinman, who was seriously injured in a sprint car accident at Lernerville Speedway on July 6.
In order to gain further independence and do more work on his family farm, Steinman is in need of an off-road wheelchair (pictured above taking a test drive.)
Donations are being sought to immediately provide “Cowboy” with his new ride. To make a donation, visit http://www.stevekingfoundation.org/.
The donation site was set up by The Steve King Foundation. The Steve King Foundation is a non-profit, tax deductible, charitable organization established for the purpose of helping the dirt track racing community. The foundation was established after the death of Steve King. Steve died from a brain injury sustained during an accident between turns three and four during Wednesday night race qualifying for the 2006 Knoxville Nationals.

Coming up:
At OCFS, on Outlaw night, May 19th, the pit gate will open at 3:00 pm, with spectator gates opening an hour later at 4:00 pm.
Note: I’m trying to get info, from the track, as to whether the top 6 rows in the half covered will be reserved seating, or not.
Message from OCFS about the half covered: “Yes, the top 6 rows in the half covered are reserved and are $35.00 each.”

Free INDYCAR Test – Pocono
Thursday, July 4

We’re opening the gates, for FREE, to the IZOD IndyCar Series open test at Pocono Raceway on Thursday, July 4th!
Come see breathtaking speeds as every IndyCar Series driver entered will be testing from approximately 10 am – 4 pm ET!
Parking information, updates on drivers testing and more will be updated as the event draws closer!
Tickets to the July 7 Pocono INDCYAR 400, marking the first time “The Tricky Triangle” has hosted an open-wheel event in 24 years, start at $25. All Kid’s Tickets (ages 12 and under) across our entire Grandstand are half-off! To purchase tickets visit www.poconoraceway.com or call the number below.

Phoenix Racing to exit NASCAR: Unable to find a long-term sponsor for his #51 Sprint Cup team, James Finch is eyeballing an exit from racing all together. “I’m contemplating finishing up this year, and I don’t know if I want a sponsor,” Finch said Monday. “Sunday was my 776th start in NASCAR between the Nationwide and Sprint Cup. That’s a lot of weekends. I’m considering pulling the plug later in the summer.” Finch, 62, said Phoenix Racing will not enter any races after the Brickyard 400 scheduled for July 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He said he intends to wrap up team operations before the Chase for the Cup begins in September. “I have not been able to get the right amount of funding, the economy is pretty bad, and a lot of people don’t want to do it,” Finch said of his team’s fruitless search for a permanent sponsor. “I’m getting kind of burned out. I think it is time for me to do something else.” Finch’s decision comes in the midst of one of his most successful seasons as an owner. Finch currently is tied for 13th in NASCAR’s owner points standings with 276 points, just a handful of points outside the Top 10. Phoenix Racing enjoyed a fourth-place finish with Kurt Busch behind the wheel for the Nationwide race at Talladega this past weekend, and Regan Smith steered the team’s #51 car to a sixth-place finish in Sunday’s Aaron’s 499. The team’s success, which includes a pair of Top-10 finishes and five Top-15 results, did not appear to help the team find a full-time sponsor, however. The team has found sponsors for individual or small blocks of races, but the lack of a permanent sponsor has forced Finch to cover his team’s considerable costs on his own. “I don’t want to lose everything I’ve got trying to outrun people,” Finch said. “I can’t do that. It’s time to do something else and go from there. I’ve still got some cars I haven’t torn up. And I don’t want to build any new ones.” Finch said he will help his 18 employees find work with other racing teams if they want to remain in the sport.(News Herald)(5-7-2013)
Jeff Gordon to make 700th career start…all consecutive: It may not be tame or the same, but respect is what #24-Jeff Gordon will give Darlington Raceway as he prepares for his 700th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start this Saturday night in the Bojangles’ Southern 500. Darlington Raceway has earned a few monikers since it opened in 1950. “The Track Too Tough to Tame” and “The Lady In Black” are two of those, and drivers tend to use the term “respect” when describing how they attack the 1.366-mile South Carolina track. A new element – the Generation-6 car – will be added to the mix this weekend, but a winning recipe will still include respect. Saturday’s race marks Gordon’s 700th start – all consecutively – in NASCAR’s premier series. The four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion comprehends the milestone, but does not focus on it. “I’ve been fortunate to race this long and have the type of career I’ve had,” said Gordon. “It’s really cool to see that this will be my 700th start, but it’s not something I really paid attention to. It’s hard to believe I’ve run that many – especially consecutively.”(Performance PR Plus)(5-7-2013)
Newman’s comments after Talladega under review by NASCAR: NASCAR will likely review comments made by Stewart-Haas Racing driver #39-Ryan Newman following a Lap 183 crash in Sunday’s rain-marred Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway. Any potential fine that could come from the comments likely would be made on Tuesday or Wednesday, per NASCAR’s history. Earlier, it was reported that NASCAR would definitely review his comments, but a spokesperson clarified that there are a variety of things that will be reviewed over the course of a race weekend. Newman finished 32nd after the crash in which Kurt Busch’s #78 car barrel-rolled and landed upside down on the hood of the #39 car Newman had in position for a top-10 finish or win with five laps left in regulation as darkness approached. NASCAR fined #11-Denny Hamlin $25,000 earlier this year for perceived negative comments about the new “Gen 6” car and the quality of racing at Phoenix International Raceway.(ESPN)(5-7-2013)

UPDATE: NASCAR said Tuesday that Ryan Newman will not be fined for his rebuke of NASCAR on live television following a late accident at Talladega. Newman’s race ended Sunday in a 12-car accident when Kurt Busch’s car barrel-rolled on top of his car. Newman said his TV interview was solely to complain that NASCAR had made plenty of safety advances but still couldn’t figure out how to keep cars on the track. He used a vulgarity in his interview. Not fining Newman is consistent with NASCAR chairman Brian France’s decision to give drivers’ permission to criticize anything but the cars and the on-track product. Denny Hamlin was fined $25,000 in March for saying he didn’t think NASCAR’s new car races as well as the old car.(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-8-2013)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR stated Tuesday that Newman would not face any penalties but spokesperson Kerry Tharp explained NASCAR’s position Wednesday and defended its actions. “We did tell them they could challenge NASCAR, they could challenge the racing calls, certain calls that we made and that type of thing,” Tharp said of guidelines to drivers. “We did tell them a couple of years back, hey, don’t take on the racing product, don’t disparage the racing. We believe (Newman) kind of pushed the edge on that in his comments. We disagree with his opinion. We disagree with the comments he made but he wasn’t critical of the racing, he wasn’t critical of the racing product, so therein lies the decision not to fine him. We don’t agree with what he said, I’ll tell you that right now.” (Motor Racing Network)(5-8-2013)

Sad News – Frederick Hmiel: Frederick J. Hmiel, 87, of Colonie, NY, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was a World War II Navy veteran serving on the USS Midway. Frederick was the father of longtime NASCAR crew chief Steve Hmeil and grandfather to former NASCAR driver Shane. More info on my Sad News page.(5-7-2013)
Air Titan track-drying system passes first major test: NASCAR’s new Air Titan track-drying system got its first major test of the season and had a substantial impact on the racing schedule at Talladega. Thanks to faster drying through the use of compressed air–and augmented by traditional jet dryers–Air Titan lengthened a hole between rain and darkness that allowed 110 of 117 scheduled laps to be completed in the Aaron’s 312 Nationwide Series race on Saturday. When Sunday’s Sprint Cup race was interrupted by rain, Air Titan went to work after two separate showers and dramatically cut the time need to dry the 2.66-mile superspeedway, NASCAR’s longest closed course, and the race went the distance.(NASCAR Wire Service)(5-6-2013)
Note: There are some that said the new Air Titan track drying system was too slow.
Waltrip comments on 2014 plans for #55 and Vickers: #55-Michahel Waltrip, team owners and part-time driver, discussed many things with the media on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway, one thing was the future of the #55 team:
Q) When will you announce the driver of the No. 55 Camry for next season?
Waltrip: “Well, we’re — obviously I said we’ve raced with Aaron’s for 14 years and we hope that we can sign something that will put that deal together for the near foreseeable future to come — three years or so. And, we’re working hard with Aaron’s. We’ve targeted Brian Vickers as the guy that we want to drive our car. We think that Brian is a future champion of the Cup Series so we want Brian to drive it and we want Aaron’s to sponsor it. That’s the news and that’s where it’s at. I think both Aaron’s and Brian are very into making that happen. It would just be a matter of getting the details worked out in order to be able to announce it soon. So, when it happens it won’t be a surprise because that’s what we’re after. I think Aaron’s growth in the business world, the amount of stores that they had when we started together and the amount they have now — I used to kid people all of the time, I said I don’t believe they think I had anything to do with that, but just in case I’ve been there the whole time and let’s just keep him around. That was sort of the way that it started with Aaron’s and now with the ‘Aaron’s Dream Weekend’ and everything that they do in NASCAR, they’ve committed to this sport and hopefully that commitment will continue with Michael Waltrip Racing into the future.”(Toyota Racing transcript in part)(5-5-2013)
Penske fines and points penalties upheld; suspensions reduced UPDATE: According to media at the NASCAR Research & Development Center, Chief Appeallate Officer John Middlebrook has upheld the fines and penalties to the Penske Racing #2 & #22 teams, but has reduced the suspensions from 6 races to 2 races (plus the All-Star race) for the crew chiefs, car chiefs, and team engineers on both teams, as well as #2 team manager Travis Geisler. See complete information on the original penalties on the NASCAR Penalties, Fines & Suspensions page. (5-7-2013)

UPDATE: Penske Racing won a partial victory Tuesday in its final appeal to have penalties against the Sprint Cup teams of Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano overturned or reduced. NASCAR chief appellate officer John Middlebrook upheld all the fines and point penalties, but he reduced the suspensions of seven crew members from six races to two races. The crew members still will be suspended for the May 18 All-Star race. A week ago, the National Stock Car Racing panel unanimously upheld NASCAR’s penalties, sending the final decision to Middlebrook. As a result, the 25-point deductions for Keselowski and Logano in the driver and owner standings stand. So do the $100,000 fines for crew chiefs Paul Wolfe and Todd Gordon. But the suspensions for Wolfe, Gordon, chiefs Jerry Kelley and Raymond Fox, engineers Brian Wilson and Samuel Stanley and competition director Travis Geisler were reduced by four, which team owner Roger Penske considered a victory. The suspensions will begin this weekend at Darlington Raceway and include the May 26 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those suspended will return for the June 2 race at Dover.(ESPN.com)(5-7-2013)

UPDATE 2: On May 7, 2013 the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties from the #2 and #22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. These penalties stemmed from pre-race inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway April 13. The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and 20-12: All suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted in a completed form/assembly to the office of the NASCAR competition administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond component normal rotation or suspension travel.
The results of the Chief Appellate Officer hearing were:
– Upholding the fines and points penalties that were originally assessed.
– Reducing the suspensions of the seven team members from six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race).
The seven team members in question will be suspended for the next three upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Darlington Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. They will return for the race weekend at Dover International Speedway. They remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
“After looking at all the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties,” said John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer. “However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the all-star race to two points races and the all-star race.”(NASCAR)(5-7-2013)

Penske announces personnel changes for Darlington and Charlotte: Due to the recent penalties announced by NASCAR regarding the #2 and 22 Penske Racing teams, Penske Racing has made the following roster adjustments for the Darlington and Charlotte races.
Team Manager: Mike Nelson, currently Vice President of Operations, will fulfill this role
#2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion:
Crew Chief: Kevin Buskirk. Buskirk, a former driver and crew chief, joined Penske racing prior to the 2012 season. He currently manages the test teams for Penske Racing.
Race Engineer: Jonathan Hassler. Hassler, served as the lead engineer for the #22 Sprint Cup Series team last season and helped the #22 Nationwide Series team earn six victories in 2011.
Car Chief: Nick Hensley. Hensley, has worked with Penske Racing since 2007 and has worked with the No. 2 team since the 2011 season.
#22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion:
Crew Chief: Steve Reis. Reis, who normally serves as one of the team’s engineers, has been with Penske Racing since 2009 and has been with the #22 team since 2011. Before, he served as the race engineer on the #77 Penske Racing Sprint Cup team
Race Engineer: Ben Atkins. Atkins is an engineer with Penske Racing and worked with Todd Gordon during the 2011 season.
Car Chief: Jeffery Thousand. Thousand, who has been with Penske Racing for close to twenty years, served as the car chief for the #22 through last season.
Greg Erwin, Sam Hornish Jr.’s crew chief in the Nationwide Series, will sit atop the pit box on race day for the Shell-Pennzoil team and serve as a race strategist. Erwin will continue in his role as Sam Hornish’ s crew chief in the Nationwide Series.(Penske Racing)(5-8-2013)

Gibbs’ penalties reduced by appeals panel UPDATE: According to reports from media at the NASCAR Research & Development Center, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel has modified the penalties accessed to Matt Kenseth’s #20 team:
Kenseth’s points penalty has been reduced from 50 to 12;
Joe Gibb’s owner points penalty has been reduced from 50 to 12;
Gibb’s suspension was eliminiated;
The marnufacturer’s point penalty to Toyota has been increased from 5 to 7 points;
Kenseth’s win at Kansas will now count for the Chase;
Crew Chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has been reduced from 6 races to 1. His fine remains at $200,000.
The appeal panel consisted of Mark Arute (Stafford Motor Speedway), Denis McGlynn (Dover Raceway) and Jack Housby (former team owner).(5-8-2013)
UPDATE: The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of the#20 Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and 20-5.5.3E: Only solid magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Connecting rod failed to meet minimum connecting rod weight. The penalties stemmed from a post-race engine inspection April 23 at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. The Appellants appealed all penalties. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.(NASCAR)(5-8-2013)

Former OVRP Dirt Oval runners:

Josh Peiniazek was 6th in the Sprint Car race at Glen Ridge, last Friday.

Mike Mammana was 22nd in the Modified feature at Big Diamond.

Kyle Rohner was 4th in the Sportsman feature at Penn Can.

Alex Bell was 15th in the Dirt Modified feature at Devil’s Bowl.

AJ Filbeck was 4th in the Sportsman feature at Utica/Rome.

Billy VanInwegen won the Modified feature at Accord and was followed by Danny Creeden in 4th and Mike Doty in 6th.
Anthony Perrego won the Sportsman feature, with Tyler Dippel 19th.
Mike Traver was 3rd, Tyler Boniface 4th, Andrew Reeves 6th and Kyle VanDuser 14th in the Spec Sportsman feature.

Rick Casario was 16th in the 270 Micro Sprint feature at the Greenwood Valley Action Track.

Kolby Schroder was 10th, Kyle Armstrong 12th and Bobby Hackel, IV was 14th in the Modified feature at Lebanon Valley.

Mike Doty was 16th and Danny Creeden a DQ in the Modified feature at 5 Mile Point. Brad Szulewski was 8th in the Sportsman feature.

Rich Coons was 1st and Bobby Morris 4th at Bethel.

Roger Coss was 8th in the Modified feature at Mahoning Valley, while BJ Wambold and his sister, Tiffany were both DNQ’s in the Street Stocks.

At Hamlin, Jacob Hendershot was 3rd in the 270 Micro Sprint feature. Tyler Pirone was 16th in the All-Star Slingshot feature. Paul Tigue was 15th in the Junior Slingshots. Molly Chambers was 15th and Kyle Rohner 18th in the Wingless 600 Micro Sprint feature.

I think that’s 45 names this week.

News from the AARN:
http://www.aarn.com/

Note: Don’t forget – if you’re a subscriber to the AARN, you can have the free digital version. That is available on Tuesday mornings.

From their May 7th edition – picked up from the Digital Service:

There were 72 pages in this weeks edition.

Lenny Sammons:
Lenny passes the word that Hoffman Speed is out as parts & tire people at Big Diamond. Also, when the AARN lists feature winners, it’s for the main class or classes at a track. There are just too many classes anymore.

Ernie Saxton:
Ernie is wondering who it might be, in racing, to “come out of the closet”, so to say. A minor league team in PA has a new “game” for the male fans – an “Art Splash” – Men play games in the urinals. Uh huh! Games last 55 seconds. No such thing in the ladeis room, however, BUT they do have screens to keep track of the mens scores. What next? The Panther DRR Indycar race team will be history after thjs years Indy 500. Not enough sponsorship is the reason. They only have Charter, Valspar, Mecom, Wix, Hurco and Sandvik. Kentucky Speedway might have Indycars back in 2014. The Indianapolis Speedway will be getting a 5 million dollar loan over the next ten years. I go along with Ernie – lights are a possibility. Ernie questions if there really is a need for so many sanctioning organizations in racing? It’s close to 300 now.

Steve Barrick:
He had an article with the title: “Death of a Speedway: Dunn Hill 2 closed before first green flag”. Part of the problem was the failure of some sponsorship monies that they were counting on not coming their way.

Brian Danko:
He wonders – What has happened to the NASCAR Modified Tour? He mentions the Spring Sizzler” at Stafford. It’s a race that started back in 1972. This year there were 26 cars entered. The purse was set up for 33 cars. In the past fields of 50 cars were the norm.

John Snyder:

John congratulates Kenny Tremont on his 300th win. He got his 300th at A/S last Friday. Kenny is the all-time leader at Lebanon Valley, with 119 wins in Modifieds. Tommy Corellis is next with 83, then Brett Hearn with 77. Tremont has 13 track chmapionships with Corellis having 8 and Hearn 7. John makes mention that at one particular tack that hosts two Cup races, the broadcast revenue is more than two and a half times more than the paid admissions
In AARN
This Week:

Brian Ramey Asserts
Bridgeport Speedway’s Future
Is Secure

Chris Hamilton
Wins Wall Mod Feature
In Second Start
After Major Wrist Injury

Weldon Sterner Memorial Win –
And $6,900 – Earned By Brian Montieth

ACT Photo Finish At Devils Bowl
Taken By Champ Wayne Helliwell Jr.

First Small Block Win
Garnered By Former New Egypt
Sportsman Ace Rocco Infante

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS AND VINTAGE RACE CARS SPICE UP THE MAY 11 PROGRAM AT ORANGE COUNTY FAIR SPEEDWAY

MIDDLETOWN, NY (May 6)……The popular Small-Block Modifieds will make the ir second 2013 appearance on Saturday, May 11 at the historic five-eighths-mile “Hard Clay” Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown , New York . In addition, folks will get a look back at an earlier era as the Vintage Modified race cars will also be in action.

Gary Edwards Jr. won the season inaugural race for the Small-Block Modifieds. He and two-dozen o the r competitors will be after the trophy, cash prize money, and the glory that comes from winning at one of the country’s oldest speedways.

The evening’s schedule Includes a full racing program featuring DIRTcar-sanctioned Big-Block Modifieds, Sportsman, Small-Block Modifieds, Street Stock race cars, and the Vintage machines in qualifying heats and feature races. The evening’s program is sponsored by Sparta Trucking.

In the headline Modified division, defending champion Jerry Higbie has already posted two wins and is again leading in track points. Jeff Heotzler Sr. and Bobby Varin have also won Modified features in early season racing.

Admission prices for the April 28 race meet remain at $14 adults, $12 seniors, and free for children 12 and under. The full night of racing begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

Looking ahead, the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and racing Stars are returning to Orange County on Sunday, May 19. Tickets are now on sale for this special evening that will also include the Orange County Sportsman drivers and cars. On Outlaw night, the pit gate will open at 3:00 pm, with spectator gates opening an hour later at 4:00 pm.

Information for all Orange County Fair Speedway action is available at the speedway website, www.orangecountyfairspeedway.net, or from at the Track Office. Call 845-342-2573 during business hours.

Note: I do not know if they have rain dates for the Small Block races, if it should rain when they’re scheduled. I doubt it, though.
News from Friesen-Deyo Promotions – Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. ‘Dirty Jersey 60’
Media Contact: Brett Deyo – 845.728.2781 or Deyo99H@aol.com
For Immediate Release/May 6, 2013
Incentives Adding Up For First ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ Super DIRTcar Series Event Tuesday, June 18 At New Egypt Speedway; Teo-Pro Car Sets $600 Halfway Modified Bonus; VP Racing Fuels On Board For ‘Turnpike 25’ Sportsman Winner
NEW EGYPT, NJ – The incentives for competitors to be part of the first Pioneer Pole Buildings Inc. ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ continue to accumulate.
As the countdown continues to the return of Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modifieds to New Egypt Speedway on Tuesday, June 18 (rain date: June 19), contingency award sponsors are joining the event presented by dirt Modified star Stewart Friesen and special events promoter Brett Deyo under the Friesen-Deyo Promotions banner.
Teo-Pro Car of Sussex, N.J., has signed on as the halfway bonus sponsor for the ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ big-block Modified event. The first car across the line at lap 30 outfitted with a Teo-Pro sticker will receive a product certificate worth $600. The car does not need to be a Teo-built car. Stickers will be available at the speedway on race day.
“This is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in Modified racing in 2013,” Teo-Pro representative Matt Hearn said. “It’s definitely an event we wanted to be a part of. It should be one of the most talented fields of Modifieds you will see at any race this year.”
Teo-Pro Car is on the web at www.teopro.com and can be reached by phone at 973.764.5500.
For racers in the ‘Turnpike 25’ for Open vs. Crate Sportsman, there is a lucrative incentive in place for the race winner courtesy of VP Racing Fuels. The victor will receive a drum of VP Racing Fuels in addition to the base $750 first-place prize and lap money. Learn more about VP Racing Fuels online at www.vpracingfuels.com.
Competitors in both the Modified and Sportsman divisions are eligible for lap money. Laps are on sale for $25 per lap (Modified) and $20 per lap (Sportsman). To reserve a lap, contact Brett Deyo at Deyo99H@aol.com or by phone at 845.728.2781.
Two laps have been set aside in the ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ to honor members of the racing community lost during the off-season. Lap 52 in the Modified event honors Stan Friesen, the late patriarch of the family who was a successful driver and promoter. For each feature his grandson, event co-promoter Stewart Friesen, wins prior to June 18, $10 will be added to the lap.
On lap 60, the sixth-place driver will take home $60 cash in honor of the late Doug Hoffman, a winner of 482 features on dirt and pavement and eventually a track promoter before his untimely passing in December 2012.
The ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ Modified program also ends a long absence for the Northeast’s premier dirt Modified touring series at New Egypt. The most recent Super DIRTcar Series stop at the Garden State facility was Oct. 13, 2007 with Twins 50s won by Keith Hoffman of Whitehall, Pa., and Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y. A total of 12 Super DIRTcar Series events have been contested at NES: the first June 18, 1998 through the aforementioned ’07 date.
A massive $27,500 purse has been posted for the event with a minimum of $6,000 earmarked for the winner. Joining the big-block Modifieds on the program is the first ‘Turnpike 25’ featuring Open vs. Crate Sportsman vying for a minimum top prize of $750.
Rules and event information have been posted on the ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ website at www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com outlining prices, a complete time schedule, specs for both divisions and more.
Marketing opportunities remain for the ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ inaugural event. Lap sponsorships are on sale for the Modifieds ($25 per lap) and Sportsman ($20 per lap). To inquire about lap or bonus award sponsorships, contact Brett Deyo at Deyo99H@aol.com or by phone: 845.728.2781.
For the ‘Dirty Jersey 60’ pit gates will unlock at 4 p.m. Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. Hot laps are planned for 6:45 p.m. and Modified qualifying begins at 7:15 p.m. A rain date for Wednesday, June 19 has been established.

It’s the cup of brandy that no one wants to drink.
On Tuesday, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the surviving Doolittle Raiders gathered publicly for the last time.
They once were among the most universally admired and revered men in the United States. There were 80 of the Raiders in April 1942, when they carried out one of the most courageous and heart-stirring military operations in this nation’s history. The mere mention of their unit’s name, in those years, would bring tears to the eyes of grateful Americans.
Now only four survive.
After Japan’s sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, with the United States reeling and wounded, something dramatic was needed to turn the war effort around.
Even though there were no friendly airfields close enough to Japan for the United States to launch a retaliation, a daring plan was devised. Sixteen B-25s were modified so that they could take off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. This had never before been tried — sending such big, heavy bombers from a carrier.
The 16 five-man crews, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle, who himself flew the lead plane off the USS Hornet, knew that they would not be able to return to the carrier. They would have to hit Japan and then hope to make it to China for a safe landing.
But on the day of the raid, the Japanese military caught wind of the plan. The Raiders were told that they would have to take off from much farther out in the Pacific Ocean than they had counted on. They were told that because of this they would not have enough fuel to make it to safety.
And those men went anyway.
They bombed Tokyo, and then flew as far as they could. Four planes crash-landed; 11 more crews bailed out, and three of the Raiders died. Eight more were captured; three were executed. Another died of starvation in a Japanese prison camp. One crew made it to Russia.
The Doolittle Raid sent a message from the United States to its enemies, and to the rest of the world:
We will fight.
And, no matter what it takes, we will win.
Of the 80 Raiders, 62 survived the war. They were celebrated as national heroes, models of bravery. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced a motion picture based on the raid; “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo,” starring Spencer Tracy and Van Johnson, was a patriotic and emotional box-office hit, and the phrase became part of the national lexicon. In the movie-theater previews for the film, MGM proclaimed that it was presenting the story “with supreme pride.”
Beginning in 1946, the surviving Raiders have held a reunion each April, to commemorate the mission. The reunion is in a different city each year. In 1959, the city of Tucson, Arizona, as a gesture of respect and gratitude, presented the Doolittle Raiders with a set of 80 silver goblets. Each goblet was engraved with the name of a Raider.
Every year, a wooden display case bearing all 80 goblets is transported to the reunion city.. Each time a Raider passes away, his goblet is turned upside down in the case at the next reunion, as his old friends bear solemn witness.
Also in the wooden case is a bottle of 1896 Hennessy Very Special cognac. The year is not happenstance: 1896 was when Jimmy Doolittle was born.
There has always been a plan: When there are only two surviving Raiders, they would open the bottle, at last drink from it, and toast their comrades who preceded them in death.
As 2013 began, there were five living Raiders; then, in February, Tom Griffin passed away at age 96.
What a man he was. After bailing out of his plane over a mountainous Chinese forest after the Tokyo raid, he became ill with malaria, and almost died. When he recovered, he was sent to Europe to fly more combat missions. He was shot down, captured, and spent 22 months in a German prisoner of war camp.
The selflessness of these men, the sheer guts … there was a passage in the Cincinnati Enquirer obituary for Mr. Griffin that, on the surface, had nothing to do with the war, but that emblematizes the depth of his sense of duty and devotion:
“When his wife became ill and needed to go into a nursing home, he visited her every day. He walked from his house to the nursing home, fed his wife and at the end of the day brought home her clothes. At night, he washed and ironed her clothes. Then he walked them up to her room the next morning. He did that for three years until her death in 2005.”
So now, out of the original 80, only four Raiders remain: Dick Cole (Doolittle’s co-pilot on the Tokyo raid), Robert Hite, Edward Saylor and David Thatcher. All are in their 90s. They have decided that there are too few of them for the public reunions to continue.
The events in Fort Walton Beach this week will mark the end. It has come full circle; Florida’s nearby Eglin Field was where the Raiders trained in secrecy for the Tokyo mission.
The town is planning to do all it can to honor the men: a six-day celebration of their valor, including luncheons, a dinner and a parade.
Do the men ever wonder if those of us for whom they helped save the country have tended to it in a way that is worthy of their sacrifice? They don’t talk about that, at least not around other people. But if you find yourself near Fort Walton Beach this week, and if you should encounter any of the Raiders, you might want to offer them a word of thanks. I can tell you from firsthand observation that they appreciate hearing that they are remembered.
The men have decided that after this final public reunion they will wait until a later date — some time this year — to get together once more, informally and in absolute privacy. That is when they will open the bottle of brandy. The years are flowing by too swiftly now; they are not going to wait until there are only two of them.
They will fill the four remaining upturned goblets.
And raise them in a toast to those who are gone.
God Bless all those who served in the Greatest Generation

Found on Facebook:

Back when I studied the Holocaust, in High School, I remember thinking, “How did Hitler get over 6 million people to follow along blindly, and not fight back?

Then I realized, I’m watching my fellow Americans take the same path.

OBAMA BLAMES AMERICA FOR MEXICO’S GUN VIOLENCE

Link:
“Which country is Barack Obama President of again? I’m a little confused on this. I mean, a U.S. President is, after all, tasked with protecting the rights of Americans. How does a guy who blames Americans for violent actions of another country and calls for limitations on American rights actually upholding his oath to office?” – One of the comments that went with the article.
Eric Holder says Feds Will Ignore State Laws and Enforce Gun Grab

In part: “In his letter to Governor Brownback, Attorney General Holder demonstrates that he is as ignorant as his boss as to the proper, constitutional relationship between state governments and the federal government. Accordingly, when Holder threatens to use “all appropriate action” to “prevent the State of Kansas from interfering with the activities of federal officials enforcing federal law,” what he is saying is that he will use any means necessary to prevent the sovereign state of Kansas (and any other state brave enough to take a stand against the federal government) from exercising its right to protect its citizens from federal disarmament.

And, more importantly, by disregarding a legally enacted Kansas statute preserving the right of its citizens to keep and bear arms, the Obama administration is not only ignoring the Second Amendment, but it is also ignoring the 10th Amendment and its restrictions on federal power.”
Teacher who stomped on flag in class gets $85K payment

Link:
Found on the Internet:

This might upset some people:

Some cuts likely for food stamps

Link:

This is really sad, I think. What has happened to our country, anyway?

HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TEAM DISQUALIFIED WHEN RUNNER GESTURES THANKS TO GOD

Link:

Jason Collins denies he is seeking book deal

Link:
Note: Some comments worth reading are under the article. Personally, I think it’s all about a book deal.

House approves bill to change overtime pay law

Link:
Note: Which would you rather have – the money (at time and a half) or the time off, with pay – probably straight time.

A few of the comments with the article:

“My retirement is based on my gross income, social security on gross income, thanks but no thanks I’ll work all the overtime I can and retire young.”

“Is the comp time based at 1-1/2 times each extra hour? If not the employee is getting the wrong end of the shaft.”

“And if the company goes out of business or files for bankruptcy you can kiss you time off deal goodbye. Take the money.”

Some non-racing stuff:

Court Martial for soldiers religions?

God Bless America…or Not? Pentagon Threatens Religious Soldiers

Link:
And this, too:

Admiral DEFIES THE MILITARY BAN on Sharing His Christian Faith

Link:
Is this true?
Benghazi Whistleblower Bombshell: Obama & Kerry Aware that State Dept. Obstructing Investigation
Note: This was on left side in the above link.
Explosive Details From Benghazi Whistleblowers Revealed by Issa

Link:

Note: CBS blasts the administration in this report: “Three more officials to testify over Benghazi attacks.

5. Hicks was embarrassed by a White House official’s reaction to the attacks

6. Hicks claims that the Obama administration hurt the investigation

7. The attack occurred before a proposed visit by Clinton

Link:
Note: My take on this Benghazi deal – I truly believe that the leaders of our government did, with full knowledge, work together and did indeed, cover up what happened. I also feel that all those that have backed them up, even those that did so today, should, in some way, be impeached – from top to bottom.

Link:
In part: “By the numbers
When the government swooped in to save GM from a painful death, it tossed the company a $49.5 billion lifeline. As part of the agreement, GM was to restructure, return to profitability, and repay the funds by buying back shares purchased and held by the United States.

This ugly chapter in GM’s history has dragged its brand image through the mud, and the shares held by the Treasury have in part kept a lid on its stock price. That will cause a massive loss when GM finishes buying its shares back from the government. Right now the U.S. taxpayer and the Treasury stand to lose roughly $11.4 billion on the transaction — a staggering amount. To put that in perspective, let’s compare what that number really equates to.

Pelosi Spent $100,000+ Tax Money on Gourmet Food

Link:

VIDEO: Judge Napolitano Agrees With SOS – Hillary Can Be Prosecuted

Link:
Note: Ah, but will she, that’s the question! Seeing how our gov’t has been lately, I highly doubt she’ll be tried for anyting.

Truth Wins: The Benghazi Cover-Up is Beginning to Collapse

Link:

Video time – music:

Well, actually not music this week.

Video time – racin stuff:

The track is now called Full Throttle Speedway. It used to be called DeSoto Super Speedway. It’s in Bradenton, Florida. I was there a few years ago for a 400 lap Sprint car race. Same driver won that one, too. Thanks to Richard Golardi for posting the video on Facebook.

Al Unser on Pole Day 1989

Note: It’s a shame that what at one time what was once the second largest spectator drawing event (after the Indy 500) – the first day of time trials at Indy, can’t draw fans, today.

Photos:
Note: The photos are not available on Dirt Track Digest, only on New England Tractor – http://newenglandtractor.com/racereport/
Going back in time some – this one is Robbie Green at Syracuse.

And his father, at the Orange County Fair Speedway.

That’s Bob, working on the engine.
Closing with these:

Kulula Airlines – Continued:

Kulula is an Airline with head office situated in Johannesburg . Kulula airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight “safety lecture” and announcements a bit more entertaining.

Here are the last of some real examples that have been heard or reported:

“Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments.”

“As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses..”

And from the pilot during his welcome message: “Kulula Airlines is pleased to announce that we have some of the best flight attendants in the industry. Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!”

Heard on Kulula 255 just after a very hard landing in Cape Town : The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, “That was quite a bump and I know what y’all are thinking. I’m here to tell you it wasn’t the airline’s fault, it wasn’t the pilot’s fault, it wasn’t the flight attendant’s fault, it was the asphalt.”

Overheard on a Kulula flight into Cape Town , on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain really had to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Mother City. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what’s left of our airplane to the gate!”

Another flight attendant’s comment on a less than perfect landing: “We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal.”

An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a “Thanks for flying our airline”. He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said,
“Sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Why, no Ma’am,” said the pilot. “What is it?”
The little old lady said,
“Did we land, or were we shot down?”

After a real crusher of a landing in Johannesburg , the attendant came on with,
“Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we will open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal..”

Part of a flight attendant’s arrival announcement:
“We’d like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you’ll think of Kulula Airways.”

Heard on a Kulula flight:
“Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing. If you can light ’em, you can smoke ’em.”

Until next week, folks!

As usual, you can reach me at: ygordad@yahoo.com

This Week in Racing

Feature Column

By JEREMY ELLIOTT (Patriot News) No matter how big the media outlet – ESPN, USA Today or CNN – it can’t take away the one common characteristic of a Sprint Car fan: passion. If anything, it enhances it. When the sport is put in a bad light on a national stage, the numbers on the cars or men in the seat no longer matter. This clan rallies around the sport as a whole and flips the middle finger to the rest of the world. That’s one of many things that makes Sprint Car racing great. But it’s also one of…More

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Super DIRTcar Series

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By JOSHUA JOINER OCALA, Fla. – Feb. 13, 2015 – Turning around his sluggish start to the season, Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., topped a late duel with Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., during Friday’s DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned A-Main at Bubba Raceway Park to earn a $5,000 victory during the opening night of the fourth annual Bubba Army Winter Nationals. Lanigan, the three-time and defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion, rallied after losing the lead to Richards on lap 20 of the 30-lapper and retook command when Richards struggled with traffic on lap 26. The 44-year-old Lanigan pulled away…More

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GIBSONTON, FL – “We just missed the set-up in that first race tonight; we had just enough time to make some adjustments for this race. We won that first heat so that put us on the pole. The car was really good. I had a little bit of a push getting into turn two, but otherwise, the car was not a handful like the previous nights. I was hoping maybe Jr. could get up there so we could take first and second.” “I have so many people to thank; Messilla Valley Transportation, Henderson Motorsports, Watters Auto Land, Clements Engines, Longhorn Chassis,…More

DIRTcar 358 and Sportsman Tours

CONCORD, N.C. – Feb. 4, 2015 – DIRTcar 358-Modified racers will have more incentive than ever to race not only their home tracks this season, but also the series in the fall. In addition to the traditional post Labor Day series events, drivers will earn points during the season from the new Super Series Starter (SSS) Events at their weekly tracks. The 2015 358-Modified Series Championship combines Home Track Points, plus “SSS” points, plus points from the Fall Series events to equal the Championship. The weekly track Mr. DIRTcar program similar to last year’s runs from now until Sept. 6…More